Adrenergic Agonists and antagonists

Question 1

Drugs can activate adrenergic receptors by 4 basic mechanisms

Answer 1

Direct receptor binding (most common)
Promotion of NE release
Inhibition of NE reuptake
Inhibition of NE inactivation

Question 2

Promotion of NE relese

Answer 2

Amphetamines and cocaine, cause NE release in synapses without direct binding. Cocaine also inhibits reuptake

Question 3

Inhibition of NE reuptake

Answer 3

Blocking NE reuptake causes accumulation in synaptic gap, TCAs and cocaine do this

Question 4

inhibition of NE inactivation

Answer 4

MAO inhibition

Question 5

Alpha 1 2 main responses

Answer 5

Vasoconstriction in blood vessels of skin, viscera, mucous membranes
Mydriasis

Question 6

Alpha 1 to stop bleeding

Answer 6

Topically to prevent bleeding, primarily skin and mucous membranes
Epinephrine

Question 7

A1 nasal congestion

Answer 7

Results from dilation and engorgement of blood vessels in nasal mucosa, A1 relieve congestion with vasoconstriction
Phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine

Question 8

A1 with anesthetics

Answer 8

Local anesthetics given with A1 to reduce blood flow to site of anesthetic administration. Done to keep drug local and prolong anesthesia

Question 9

A1 BP

Answer 9

Can elevate BP in hypotensive pts if can’t give fluid or after fluid

Question 10

A1 HTN

Answer 10

Cause HTN especially with IV, necrosis if IV lines go interstitial.
Bradycardia A1 agonists can cause a reflex which slow heart